TPWD Game Warden Field Notes

The following are excerpts from recent Texas Parks and Wildlife Department law enforcement reports.

Close Call — A Dallam County Game Warden reported that a landowner was moving his private elk herd from one pen to another when a bull elk gored the man. The elk’s antler penetrated nine inches into the man’s chest. Emergency surgery saved the man’s life.

Good Works — Walker County Game Warden Zak Benge helped organize a Kidfish event for special needs children through the Bayes Achievement Center on the Jordon Ranch near Huntsville. The children caught more than 240 fish in 90 minutes using cane poles and worms. They were then treated to a dinner and numerous door prizes. Game Wardens Sophia Hiatt, Keith Foltermann, Brannon Meinkowski, Anthony Corcoran, Dean Fitzpatrick, Ernie Garcia, Dornell Crist, and retired Game Warden Larry Benge helped with the event. The Texas Game Warden Association donated money for food and t-shirts.

And More Good Works — Milam County warden Mike Mitchell joined with three other agencies in community education. The Department of Public Safety, the Thorndale Police Department, the Milam County Sheriff’s Office and TPWD educated 388 schoolchildren in Thorndale. Through assemblies by grade level (kindergarten through high school), they presented a variety of topics to the youths. Mitchell covered water safety, gun safety, and law enforcement careers.

The Fish Gave Them Away — A Nueces County Game Warden responded to a call concerning undersized trout. Upon contact with the individuals, all were license-compliant and when asked if they had caught anything all replied, “No, but we are trying real hard.” As the conversation continued, the warden questioned what the thumping from the ice chest was, at which time the individuals hung their head. When all were counted and measured, 12 undersize trout were located and appropriate charges are pending.

100 Snakes Seized — Abilene-area wardens and a TPWD Wildlife Investigator executed a search warrant and seized 75 venomous snakes and five turtles. Nongame permit violations were identified as well as city ordinance violations dealing with the prohibition of venomous reptiles. Later in the day, another residence was identified as being suspected of containing venomous snakes. An investigation resulted in another search warrant being executed and 25 more venomous snakes being seized.